5 Memorable Moments From Elizabeth Harmon’s Games

The release of “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix in 2020 brought a lot of attention to the chess world. It was appreciated worldwide and was received tremendously well.

People who previously knew nothing about chess started to take an interest. The credit should be largely given to the creators of the show and the protagonist, Elizabeth Harmon. Her games in the series and the way she executed her role as a chess player were incredibly convincing.

The curiosity of chess players peaked as well. They witnessed, for the first time, chess being the main topic of an international series. It gave them a sense of pride. Also, being able to connect with a series on such a personal level holds a special place in everyone’s heart.

Many wonder about the games in The Queen’s Gambit. Were they specifically created for the show? Was there a real Elizabeth Harmon who played these games?

The answer to both questions is no. In fact, the various positions in the series were picked up from the games of various World Champions and other famous players.

Let’s take a look at the 5 most crucial positions that were important in the life of the protagonist, Beth Harmon.

Position 1

For any student, winning against their coach for the first time is always memorable. But to win the second time gives them an immense sense of pride. Our first position depicts exactly that. Elizabeth Harmon, for the second time, beats her first coach,
Mr. Shaibel.

This position is from the real-life game of Italian master Gioachino Greco (White) against an anonymous player. Black has exposed his king and is lacking in development. Hence, White takes advantage of these faults.

White continues with 1.Ng5 fg5 2.Qh5+ (by sacrificing the knight, White got the queen into the attack) 2...Kd7 3.Bg5 (attacking the queen).

It is interesting to note that though Black played 3...Qg7 in the game, 3...Nf6 was the move that would have given Black better fighting chances. After 3...Qg7, there is a forced mate in 3 which White spots.

4.Be6+ Ke6 5.Qe8+ Nge7 6.d5#

In the series, Mr. Shaibel resigned after 5. Qe8+ itself. This moment is one of the initial highlights of the show as it portrays the growing strength of Elizabeth.

Position 2

As her game improves, Elizabeth participates in more and more tournaments. She continues to display her strength, round after round. This position is from her game against Harry Beltik who is the current Kentucky state champion.

This game was actually played between IM R. Nezhmetdinov (White) and IM Genrikh Kasparian, in 1955. Both are extremely famous and reputed players and this was one of their most attacking games.

White is clearly better because Black’s king is more vulnerable as compared to White’s.

Beth launches the final attack with 1.Rf7+ Kh6 2.Qg6+!! This stunning queen sacrifice is the highlight of this game. 2...Kg6 3.R1f6+ Kg5 After this, there is a forced mate in 5.

You can think before you read further...

4.Rf5+ Kg6 5.R7f6+ Kh7 6.Rh5+ Kg7 7.Bf5#

Beating the current state champion was no easy feat. People started taking her more seriously after this match.

Position 3

The next position is from one of her games against her new coach Benny Watts. What makes this even more remarkable is the fact that she was playing simultaneously against him and his grandmaster friend. She won both games.

This position has been picked from the famous game of Paul Morphy (White) versus Duke Karl/ Count Isouard. The spectacular finish in this game makes it one of Morphy’s masterpieces.

White continues 1.Bd7+ Nd7? and now gives a stunner — 2.Qb8+!!
2...Nb8 is forced, followed by 3.Rd8#

It is fascinating to note that Beth couldn’t convincingly beat Benny for a lot of years. And here she beat not only him but his GM friend as well. That too, together!

Position 4

Elizabeth Harmon goes on to play one of the toughest tournaments of her career in Russia. She performs superbly in the event. This position is from that tournament. There is a Sicilian on the board.

The position is from the game between two former World Champions, Veselin Topalov (White) against Garry Kasparov, 1995. The creators of the show seem to have done a lot of homework, getting many top-level games in the series!

Black is clearly better in this position as you can see a lot of piece activity. However, GM Garry decided to go all out and finish the game once and for all.

1...Na3+ 2.ba3 [(2.Ka1 2..Nc2+ followed by Bd3) (2.Kc1 Bd3 simply wins)] 2...Bd3 3.cd3 Rd3. White resigned in view of 4.Qa4 Rh3 and the position is just hopeless.

Position 5

Elizabeth finally gets a rematch against the reigning World Champion Vasily Borgov. With her two prior losses against him, her urge to win was stronger than ever. She had come to this tournament well-prepared and her strength showed in all the games.

This position is from a proposed variation in the game Ivanchuk (White) versus Wolff, 1995. It has a stunning finishing touch which is adapted in the series.

1.Qf6+!! An unreal queen sacrifice 1...gf6 2.Rf6 threatening Rf8+. Black continues with 2...Qh5 3.Rf8+ Kg7 4.e8=Q Re2+ 5.Kf1 Qh3+ 6.Ke2 Qg2+ 7.Rf2 Qe4+ 8.Kd2 and with no adequate check, Borgov resigned.

Elizabeth Harmon not only defeated the world champion but also won the strongest tournament of her career. The show ends on this note, giving the viewers closure about Beth’s epic chess journey.

Conclusion

The creators of “The Queen’s Gambit” must be given due credit for making a wonderful attempt to replicate the real-life scenes in a tournament hall. They put in a lot of effort and their attention to detail was exceptional.

As far as chess is concerned, amazing games and positions were selected. We’re sure that chess players all over the globe were elated to see such a realistic demonstration of the hard work put into becoming a successful chess player.

And if you want to get started on your journey to become a successful player, get in touch with our expert coaches at Saswath Academy for a free demo lesson!

Read More: The Queen's Gambit